PSA released a list containing the 10 most graded sports cards in recent months. There were a couple of surprises along with the usual star-studded array of the greatest players in a variety of disciplines. 

Here’s a roundup with the 10 most graded sports cards right now. The list features some of the biggest names in the hobby and their very best collectibles. 

Top 10 Most Graded Sports Cards 2022

The cards come from a range of different sports and sets, with the majority released in either 2020 or 2021. 

With that being said, there are a few vintage options which collectors are still sending off enmasse, hoping for an elusive 10 grade. 

10. 2020 Panini Prizm LaMelo Ball #278 (eBay)

We begin with the highly talented LaMelo Ball. He was named the NBA’s 2020-21 Rookie of the Year, following one of the greatest statistical seasons by a 19-year-old in NBA history.

It’s little wonder that his 2020-21 Panini Prizm RC is one of the cards sent most frequently to PSA. It’s available in a range of coloured parallels.

• Prizms Parallels: Silver, Blue Wave, Gold Wave, Green, Green Ice, Hyper, Orange Ice, Pink Ice, Purple Wave, Red Ice, Red/White/Blue, Ruby Wave, White Sparkle, Red #/299, Blue #/199, Purple Ice #/175, Blue Ice #/125, Purple #/99, Orange Wave #/60, Orange #/49, Pink Pulsar #/42, Blue Shimmer #/35, Purple Pulsar #/35, Green Pulsar #/25, Mojo #/25, Gold #/10, Gold Shimmer #/10, Lucky Envelopes #/8, Black Gold #/5, Green Shimmer #/5, Black 1/1, Black Shimmer 1/1
• Choice Prizms: Blue/Yellow/Green, Tiger Stripe, Red #/88, Blue #/49, Green #/8, Nebula 1/1
• Fast Break Prizms: Base, Blue #/175, Red #/125, Purple #/75, Pink #/50, Bronze #/20, Neon Green #/5

Check prices of 2020 Panini Prizm LaMelo Ball cards on eBay

9. 2000 Bowman Tom Brady #236 (eBay)

Tom Brady has long been seen as a safe bet within the hobby. His 2000 Bowman RC is relatively untapped in comparison to more popular options. 

Brady retired in February 2022, which is one of the reasons why so many of his cards have been sent off for grading purposes over the last few months. 

If you’re hoping for a safe bet, look no further than Tom Terrific. 

Check prices of 2000 Bowman Tom Brady cards on eBay

8. 1986 Fleer Sticker Michael Jordan #8 (eBay)

Next up is the sticker version of Michael Jordan found in 1986 Fleer. 

Fleer released a sticker set to accompany their famous set of cards in 1986. It includes Jordan in an action shot as he dribbled along the court. There aren’t many collectors who would prefer a sticker over a card, so it plays second fiddle to the sturdier alternative. 

However, it started to gain popularity as the price of the Fleer card rose rapidly, even if it’s a slightly less prestigious option.

Check prices of 1986 Fleer Sticker Michael Jordan cards on eBay

7. 1986 Topps Jerry Rice #161 (eBay)

Many fans and experts consider Jerry Rice to be the greatest wide receiver in the history of the National Football League (NFL). 

His 1986 RC is still going strong in terms of interest within the hobby. The green and white background works to make it instantly recognizable. 

This is the only Rice RC, and chipping along the green borders makes it tough to locate PSA 9 or better copies.

Check prices of 1986 Topps Jerry Rice #161 cards on eBay

6. 2009 Topps Stephen Curry #321 (eBay)

Steph Curry is one of the greatest of all-time, and has to be the most talented shooter in NBA history. 

2009-10 Topps Basketball is where you’ll find this simple RC, featuring a profile shot of the player as he beams towards the camera with a large smile on his face. 

Considering a gem mint version will sell for five figures, it’s little wonder that collectors are still sending in his 2009 Topps RC in droves. 

Check prices of 2009 Topps Stephen Curry #321 cards on eBay

5. 2021 Donruss Mac Jones Portrait #255 (eBay)

Michael McCorkle “Mac” Jones is an American football quarterback for the New England Patriots of the NFL.

Jones has been one of the standout players so far after replacing Cam Newton to become the first rookie quarterback to start a season opener for the Patriots since Bledsoe in 1993.

As you may have guessed, his 2021 Rated Rookie is in high demand. That holds true whether you’re looking at ungraded copies or raw cards. 

It’s worth mentioning that the Portrait version is slightly less popular than the action shot, even if his face is slightly obscured in the latter.  

Check prices of 2021 Donruss Mac Jones Portrait #255 cards on eBay

4. 2020 Panini Prizm Anthony Edwards Silver Prizm #258 (eBay)

Anthony Edwards is one of the biggest talents in the NBA right now. He was selected with the first overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2020 Draft. 

2020 Panini Prizm Basketball is where you’ll find this popular RC. Edwards is showing off his passing range in the action shot. Rather than the extensive list of parallels, we’d focus specifically on the Silver Prizm, as seen in the image above.

Once again, collectors will be hoping for an elusive PSA 10 grade, which is difficult due to the full-bleed chrome borders. 

Check prices of 2020 Panini Prizm Anthony Edwards Silver Prizm #258 cards on eBay

3. 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan #57 (eBay)

Any piece of MJ merch released during his playing career is likely to sell for a large sum if it has been graded by the likes of PSA or BGS. 

The 1986 Fleer RC is one of the most popular cards ever created. It’s also the most coveted Jordan collectible by a wide margin.

A tried and tested favourite, the 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan card is iconic as they come. It’s little wonder that they’re still being sent off to be graded in droves.

Check prices of 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan #57 cards on eBay

2. 2021 Donruss Mac Jones Press Proof Premium #255 (eBay)

The return of the Mac, 2021 Donruss has been a popular set for anyone hoping to snag a valuable RC featuring the talented quarterback. 

The second spot on this list is reserved solely for Press Proof parallels. These are denoted by a small tag near the player’s feet. They’re more expensive than base copies, but have greater potential for profit in the long run.

• Press Proof Parallels: Blue, Bronze, Green, Hyper, Premium, Red, Yellow, Silver #/100, Silver Die-Cut #/75, Gold #/50, Gold Die-Cut #/25, Black #/10, Black Die-Cut 1/1

Check prices of 2021 Donruss Mac Jones Press Proof Premium #255 cards on eBay

1. 2021 Donruss Mac Jones #255 (eBay)

Essentially the same card as the Jones release seen above in many respects, the base version lacks the Press Proof markers. 

Of course, it’s likely to have been packed way more frequently. That’s one explanation as to why it takes up the top spot on this list.

It’s obvious that collectors are big on Jones cards, making up three of the top five options. Expect to see lots of copies on the market over the next six months.

Check prices of 2021 Donruss Mac Jones #255 cards on eBay

Top 10 Most Graded Sports Cards 2022: Buyers Guide 

We’ve put together a guide if you’re interested in adding one of the hottest cards in the hobby to your collection. 

The Best Cheap Graded Sports Cards 2022 

Of the cards to make the list, many can be found at more affordable price points if you’re looking at ungraded versions. For the more recent 2020/2021 releases, even PSA 9s should be within budget for the majority of collectors.

The Best Graded Investment Card 2022

Sticking exclusively with PSA 10 versions, we’d probably look out for a Mac Jones card or two given they were released not long ago. We think they have the greatest potential to make a decent profit in the future if you’re prepared to hold onto your cards.

Most Graded Sports Cards 2022: Buying/Selling Advice

With a high influx of cards featuring some of the best players in the world hitting the market, now could be the perfect time to add a copy or two to your personal collection. 

Options like Jordan and Brady represent less risk compared to talented rookies like LaMelo and Jones, although it’ll depend on your budget, as well as your personal preferences.

Given their popularity, it seems like there are no wrong options if you’re looking at the cards listed above.